Summerland Signage Woes 

Also at the Land Use Committee meeting, representatives from the Summerland Citizens Association (SCA) reported to the committee that they are spearheading an appeal of a portion of developer John Price’s new Fuel Depot project at 2285 Lillie Avenue in Summerland. Specifically, the SCA is appealing the gas station’s sign on the back side of the building, fronting Highway 101. “This sign will be visible from Highway 101 and nowhere else,” said attorney Marc Chytilo, who is assisting the Association with the appeal. “It sets a precedent for other signs on the back of buildings visible from the 101.” The sign would be illuminated by four, 18-inch gooseneck lights. 

According to Chytilo, the County’s Sign Ordinance allows wall signs only on street frontage with public access, which makes the sign, which faces Highway 101, an inappropriate location for the sign. New signs are also prohibited in setbacks; the building in question is within the setback. “We don’t want to see billboards on the back of buildings,” said Phyllis Noble, president of the Summerland Citizens Association. Chytilo reported that the Association has issues with other portions of the project, which are not being addressed at this time. 

The Land Use Committee voted to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors, which is meeting next week, in support of the appeal. Committee member Bill Macfadyen, also publisher of Noozhawk, abstained from the vote, citing his close relationship with Price.